Public Statements

Recognizing Gulfstream Student Leadership Program

Floor Speech

Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of the Gulfstream Student Leadership Program and its exceptional efforts to improve high school graduation rates in Savannah, Georgia. The Gulfstream Student Leadership Program summer trip to Washington provides students with the opportunity to see first-hand the inner workings of our government and gain an appreciation of our nation's history and monuments.

The students that I met last week in the Capitol were rising seniors who had completed three years of the Student Leadership Program. The program went into effect five years ago, and 96 percent of the initial class of 150 students went on to graduate. Currently, eleven local high schools participate in the Student Leadership Program, and the 2012-2013 class includes close to 650 students.

This incredible program is made possible through the efforts of the Gulfstream Community Relations Staff, teachers and community advisors. I am pleased to recognize the students and teachers that were a part of this year's Student Leadership trip to Washington, and I look forward to working with them in the future.